Vera

I think I managed not to eat chocolate for 23 days...that's it. I'm off the wagon, had to have it and it's so good. No chips for me

Hey Whip, I've missed you! Hope all is well. In the summer evenings as the sun was setting, I'd say "You can smell the Honeysuckle wind"

Glitter, Have you called Dr. Sanchez? I know you were given a card with his number on it, I can let you know if you can't find it. Also Alma or Dr. Suesanna. Not saying Dr. Sanchez won't suggest you go see him right away, cause that's what he aways says to me. But if you have another doctor for him to talk to...I have had Dr. Sanchez talk directly to my doc here. Sorry you had to go through this. Some doctors don't realize we know our own bodies. Keep sipping. keep us posted.

Chocolate Queen

So happy to hear from you! Please take care of YOU edit to say..we all will fight for our band, it's so hard to imagine what your going through

Francesca your in my thoughts..like Penni, I can't even begin to understand how you feel. wishing you the best Thanks Michele, your a true friend.

Cool! my kids dig it Thanks

I just noticed Dr. McKeen's web-sight isn't coming up for me??? his number is 408-402-9911.

Hello Mickey There is so much "lowdown" on AnneMarie but I won't go there. Please beware, she will charge you for her services! You have many doctor options...Dr. Sanchez(www.ready4achange.com) and Dr. Rumbault in Monterrey Mx. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Kuri in Tiajuana Mx. These are the only Mexico' doctors I would recomend. Most of these surgeons have simular services for about 8K. Personaly I would not let any nurse provide a fill for me. In Ventura there is Dr. Billy and in San Jose there is Dr. McKeen(www.southbaybariatrics.com). Dr. McKeen has a Utah office and will preform surgery for 14K there.The cost of Ca hospitals is greater than in Utah. Good luck, research, and welcome to LBT

and I thought I did good....

Thanks Donali New word for the week: neurolinquistics Nicole, you've taken steps. You will succeed, one day at a time.

I am so with you on this Kathy exect if I did have a masectomy I would have reconstuction and implants, my sister did and boy did she look great.Curently I stuff them in the best bra that lifts and keeps them in control... otherwise they'd look like tennis balls in socks.

My mom was huge! I don't remember much cause she died of breast cancer when I was 3, but I remember she was big. My sisters are obese and we also lost one to breast cancer. I'm the youngest of 7 true and 8 steps sisters and brothers. My aunts and uncles are obese. I've always compared my health to theres, genetics was so obvious. I still have to fight to be thin and thank my band for not letting me have a bottom-less pit! I won't even get into the family get-together food spreads... Yvonne, I have an 8 year old daughter that sound simular to yours. I refuse to use the word "diet" in my house, Food (diet) is a way of life. I take her shopping and we cook together while I try to explain the healthy foods vrs. junk.

She looks so Happy! Sorry for the hyjack, I was so sad about Caitlyn yesterday and Chloe's cute smile reminded me of her. Thanks for all the concerns about Katherine, here's her story www.katherineblew.com Who's the ring for?

Congratulations!

Look how tall she is! That's the wee girl who sat in the back seat with me?? I was just informed of a bay area bandster Katherine, who died in her sleep on the 21st. Katherine has a 6 year old Caitlyn that went everywhere with her. Caitlyn was always at the bandster get-togethers. I am so sadden for Caitlyn, her mom was everything to her. I'm so happy for Chole. I needed to hear a happy story today. Thanks for the update.

Hi LynnAnn and welcome to LBT. I want to congratulate you on your research, and your attitude. This is so true.I'm just over 2 years banded and believe I'm at the proper restriction level for me. Just yesterday we went out for dinner, I couldn't decide what to order. I can take small bites of about anything but If I want a meal I have to be choosy. A crab cocktail was perfect with a couple of onion rings on the side. Years ago that would have been a snack. Is it worth it, You bet! I'm down 77 lbs and wearing a size 11. I'm so happy and have more energy!

Sue, I wish the best for you. Your wisdom is something I cherish. The research you have done is so valuable to us all. Your total approach to your banding issues is superior and well documented. I read sometime ago where you wrote to the effect…when your car is in need of repair, you try and fix it first instead of replacing the engine. I believe it was in response to why you decided to get a band instead of GBP to begin with. That’s my way of thinking as well. Thanks for explaining your situation and informing us of your plans. I’m curious like Paula, as to why you’ve chosen the DS? I’m guessing it has to do with "esophageal dilatation."? And as Kathy said don’t forget us bandsters...we still need you! And we want to know how you are. Keep us updated! Love, Hugs and Kisses! Vera

Wow Betty, It's been a year already? I remember telling you to relax Baby Betty just when you were post op. You've come a long way Baby. Look at those STATS!! down 85!! Congratulations!

Megan, You deserve the best! Congratulations I'm so happy for you

My goal use-to-be 144, according to a bmi of 40 when I was 244 and I needed to loose 100 lbs. that would put me at 144.. In my dreams 2+ years... I'll be happy at 160. heck I'm happy now at 168! I think age has a big effect, I'm 46. those that are under 30 have a greater chance of loosing more, my opinion.

It's worth trying jeans in the junior's (teens) section. My 12's were too big so I tried 13's, the cut is slimmer but I've got a big butt...I was able to squeeze into 11's and as you wear them, they loosen up. Stretch jeans are the best! All the jeans are long these days, Ive been wearing platform shoes... Good luck and happy shopping!

All I have to add is...These days I eat very little but protien is my main concern! Restriction has been perfect. Just when I have that piece of chicken or that scoop of cottage cheese for breakfast...I want to eat more, but I can't and know the feeling. I have been very lucky lately, I feel like i'm going to BP then I start waving my arms around and it go's down! Some might say I'm too tight... I haven't BPed in weeks and I sleep good! I have 3 meals a day and 3 quarts of water!

did I see this right 115 is your goal? good luck

and cheesesticks with marinara sauce